Challenge Friar Lawrence's Decision To Marry Romeo And Juliet Case Study

1. Challenge Friar Lawrence’s decision to marry Romeo and Juliet. What specific evidence does Shakespeare include to indicate that Friar Lawrence may be unsure of his decision? Explain how this evidence proves this. Then, analyze his motivation in doing this and explain what characteristics of the Friar’s personality are seen through this decision?
Friar Laurence had both reasons and doubts in marrying Romeo and Juliet. Right before he marries them at the end of Act II, the Friar exclaims “So smile the heavens upon this holy act
That after-hours with sorrow chide us not,” (II.vi.1-2). Here, Friar Laurence is asking heaven to bless Romeo and Juliet’s marriage so that there will be nothing of consequence come after it. He asks for this blessing

Explain the doubts and fears Juliet expresses even as she realizes that Romeo loves her. Analyze how these doubts/fears create a better understanding of Juliet’s character. Support your ideas with text evidence. As Juliet realizes that Romeo loves her in the balcony scene, she reveals doubts she has about their love. While talking to Romeo, she states “If they do see thee they will murder the,”(II.ii.70). She is worried about what her family would get in between them and kill Romeo if they found out. This makes Juliet out to be more mature in her thinking because she is considering the possible consequences of their relationship, unlike Romeo. Afterwards, Juliet also says to Romeo ”I have no joy in this contract to-night:/ It is too rash, too unadvised, too sudden,/ Too like the lightning, which doth cease to be,“ (II.ii17-19) Juliet is afraid that their relationship is developing too quickly, like how lightning disappears in seconds. She wants to wait another day to see if their love is true instead of agreeing to love that may disappear before she can fully experience it. This proves Juliet is more patient and mature than Romeo as she takes a step back and reevaluates how fast everything is going for their relationship. In the balcony scene, Juliet reveals her doubts and